At noon in the lot outside the stadium the sun feels like June. You’re in a T-shirt, squinting, and the back of your neck is already going pink. By the fourth quarter the sun has dropped behind the upper deck, the temperature has dropped hard, and the guy next to you is unrolling a blanket he carried in by hand.
Denver does this. You’re a mile up, the air is thin and dry, and the weather can swing from shirtsleeves to snow inside one afternoon. That makes broncos game day outfits a different problem from almost anywhere else in the league: you need sun protection and a real warm layer in the same outfit.
Below are seven orange and navy looks for Empower Field at Mile High, from September heat to a December night game, each with what to wear, why it works and the honest downside. Expect more layers than you want and a hat in every one of them.
The colors and what works
Broncos orange is a bold, slightly red orange, and navy is the deep blue that keeps it from looking like a traffic cone. The best outfits put orange up top, near your face, and navy or denim below. A full orange head to toe look is loud, which is half the fun, but it also shows every mustard drip.
White is the third color and the easiest neutral. Gray works too. Skip black as a main piece if you want the photos to read as Broncos. Navy does the same job and stays on brand.
For Denver, every outfit needs two things other stadiums can skip: something that covers your skin in the sun and something warm you can add when the sun goes. Plan for both even if the forecast looks easy.
7 looks for Mile High
1. The September sun look
A lightweight orange tee or performance shirt, navy shorts or light jeans, a navy cap with a brim, sunglasses and sneakers. Toss a thin navy long-sleeve sun shirt over your shoulders.
Why it works: early season afternoon games are warm, and the sun at altitude is stronger than it feels in the cool, dry air. The long-sleeve sun shirt covers your arms and neck once you’ve been sitting in it for two hours.
The tradeoff: a cap leaves your ears and neck open. If you burn easily, a bucket hat or wide brim protects more, even if it looks less like game gear.
2. The classic jersey look
The jersey goes over a white or gray long-sleeve tee, with jeans, a navy beanie or cap and boots or sneakers. This is the summer to winter workhorse: in heat you skip the sleeve layer, in cold you add a hoodie under the jersey. See our sports jersey outfit ideas for more ways to wear one.
Why it works: the jersey is loose enough to go over almost anything, so you can swap what’s under it game by game.
The tradeoff: jerseys aren’t warm and they aren’t windproof. On a cold night, the jersey becomes the outer layer of your look but not the outer layer of your warmth. Pack a shell.
3. The cold-front layered look
A merino or synthetic base layer, a navy fleece, an orange insulated jacket or puffer, warm pants, wool socks and waterproof boots. Add a beanie, a neck gaiter and gloves.
Why it works: three thin layers adjust better than one thick coat, and a Denver afternoon will make you use all of them. The National Weather Service’s Denver fall and winter statistics list October 19 as the average date of first measurable snow and October 7 as the average first freeze, so a mid-October game can land on either side.
The tradeoff: it’s bulky in the seat, and you’ll be carrying layers in and out. Our cold weather game day outfits guide has more ways to cut the bulk.
4. The women’s winter look
Fleece-lined leggings or thermal jeans, an orange chunky knit sweater or team crewneck, a long navy puffer coat, a cream or orange knit beanie and insulated boots. A small crossbody bag keeps your phone and lip balm close.
Why it works: a long puffer covers your hips and thighs, which is the part of you pressed against a cold metal seat. The sweater is warm without being the thing you need to take off.
The tradeoff: long puffers are awkward to sit in and slide off your lap. Pick one with a two-way zipper so you can open the bottom when you sit. For more women’s ideas, see our NFL game outfits for women guide.
5. The men’s tailgate look
A navy thermal henley, an orange flannel or shirt jacket, a navy vest, dark jeans and boots. A cap for the afternoon sun, a beanie in the pocket for later.
Why it works: the flannel and vest combo is easy to open in the sun and close in the wind, and every piece goes with jeans. It’s practical for a grill and still reads as Broncos from across the lot.
The tradeoff: flannel isn’t windproof. If the wind picks up, you’ll want a shell over it, so either wear one or leave one in the car.
6. The cold night game look
Thermal base top and bottom, a fleece midlayer, an insulated hooded parka in navy or orange, insulated pants or lined jeans, heavy socks and winter boots. Bring a blanket and hand warmers.
Why it works: once the sun is gone, temperatures in the stands drop quickly and the dry air pulls heat off you. You’ll be sitting still for three hours, which makes it feel colder than the number on your phone.
The tradeoff: it’s a lot of gear, and boots this warm are heavy. Heated apparel is allowed, which cuts the bulk, but it’s a real expense (see the bag rules below for the battery limit).
7. The family and kids look
Kids in an orange hoodie over a long-sleeve tee, navy joggers, a beanie and a cap, and mittens clipped to their sleeves. Parents in a team crewneck, a vest and a clear backpack carrying sunscreen, lip balm and spare gloves.
Why it works: kids lose heat fast and burn fast, and both happen at Mile High. A hoodie with a hood covers the ears when the beanie disappears.
The tradeoff: you’re the one carrying the extra layers. Lean on the clear bag allowance and the rule that lets you carry extra clothing in hand.
Sun, snow and the Mile High bag rules
The sun is the part people underestimate. The CDC’s guidance on sun exposure notes that UVB is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at higher elevations, and that UV reflected off snow nearly doubles the UVB reaching your eyes. Picture an early afternoon kickoff in December after a snowfall. Wear sunscreen on your face and the backs of your hands and bring sunglasses, even when it’s cold.
Then the bags. The Empower Field at Mile High clear bag policy allows clear bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches (clear backpacks and gallon zip-top bags count) plus one small bag up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches, which includes fanny packs and crossbodies. Regular backpacks, purses, diaper bags and tinted plastic bags aren’t allowed.
Here’s the helpful part. Extra clothing, jackets and blankets can be carried in by hand, and electric or battery-heated apparel is allowed with battery packs no bigger than 3 by 6 by 1 inches. One-piece foam seat cushions under 18 inches wide without covers or pockets are fine. Gates don’t check items, but there are paid lockers outside Gate 8. The page shows no effective date, so treat this as the latest posted policy and check it again before your game.
Quick checklist before you leave
- Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF and sunglasses, in every season
- A hat for the sun plus a beanie for after dark
- At least three layers for any game after September
- Clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches and a small bag up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches
- Blanket and extra jacket carried in hand, not packed
- Heated gear battery no larger than 3 by 6 by 1 inches
- Waterproof boots if there’s snow on the ground
Keep building the look
Start with our game day outfit ideas hub for every team and every weather. Heading to the lot early? Pair our tailgate outfit ideas with the tailgate essentials list. For the rivalry, see how fans dress for Chiefs game day outfits at Arrowhead, and for more men’s layering try game day outfits for men.
Questions people ask
What should I wear to a Broncos game in Denver?
Dress in layers in orange, navy and white, and pack sun protection no matter the month. Denver afternoons can start warm and end cold, and the sun is stronger at altitude. A jersey or orange top, a navy layer, a jacket and a hat cover most games.
What do I wear to a Broncos game in winter?
A base layer, a fleece and an insulated jacket, plus warm pants, wool socks and waterproof boots. Add a beanie, gloves and a neck gaiter. You can carry a blanket in by hand, and heated apparel is allowed within the battery size limit.
How cold does it get at a Broncos game?
It depends on the kickoff time and the sun more than the date. Once the sun drops behind the stands, the temperature in your seat can fall fast. The National Weather Service lists October 7 as Denver’s average first freeze, so pack for freezing temperatures from mid-October on.
What should men wear to a Broncos game?
A thermal or tee, an orange flannel or team hoodie, a navy vest or jacket, jeans and boots. Bring a cap for the sun and a beanie for later. Keep the outer layer windproof if it’s a cold day.
What should a woman wear to a Broncos game in winter?
Fleece-lined leggings or thermal jeans, a chunky orange sweater, a long navy puffer and insulated boots. A small crossbody up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches is allowed alongside a clear bag. Don’t skip sunscreen, since the sun reflects off snow.
Can I wear a jersey to a Broncos game in the cold?
Yes, but treat it as a top layer for looks, not warmth. Wear a thermal and a hoodie under it, and put a jacket over it until you’re in your seat. Jerseys don’t block wind.
What should I wear to a Broncos game in summer or early fall?
A light orange tee, shorts or light jeans, a brimmed hat and sunglasses. Bring a thin long-sleeve layer for sun coverage and for later in the game. Sunscreen matters more here than at sea level.
Images in this article are AI-generated illustrations and original graphics created by SportsFable. They show outfit ideas, not real people, teams or events.
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